How can knowledge from research be transferred more quickly into application, start-ups and regional development? And what role do technology centres, innovation parks and strong networks play in this?
These questions were the focus of the visit by a Ukrainian delegation from the Dnipro region on 20.08.2026 to BiomedicineCentreDortmund (BMZ). The exchange took place as part of the project DniproNRW Science Bridge instead of the cooperation between the UA Ruhr and the Dnipro region further deepened.
The focus was on knowledge and technology transfer, start-up structures, cooperation between higher education institutions and business and the region, as well as the development of long-term sustainable innovation ecosystems.
As TechnologyCentreDortmund (TZDO) we were able to demonstrate how technology transfer is put into practice in Dortmund: through specialised infrastructure, industry-specific competence centres, direct proximity to research facilities and a network that brings together start-ups, SMEs, science and industrial application.
Dirk Stürmer, Marcel Hildebrand and Dr Joanna Stachnik provided insights into the regional innovation ecosystem and two key areas that particularly characterise Dortmund:
🚚 Smart Logistics & AI
With actors such as the Fraunhofer IML, the Fraunhofer ISST, the TU Dortmund, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Dortmund, the Lamarr Institute and the Digital Hub Logistics Dortmund has a strong environment for digital logistics, intelligent material flow systems and AI-based applications. With the new Centre for Logistics and IT Dortmund (ZLI) furthermore, another important building block is being created in the technology park: a location for companies that translate logistics, IT, AI and intelligent assistance systems into concrete applications.
🧬 Biomedicine & Drug Discovery
Dortmund is also strongly positioned in biomedicine. The TU Dortmund, that Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, that Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund University (IfADo), that Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften (ISAS), that Caledo, that Lead Discovery Centre as well as other companies and spin-offs from the BMZ environment shape the location and drug discovery in Dortmund.
To give this potential further room, the Centre for Integrated Drug Discovery Dortmund (ZIW) yet another important building block in the technology park. With modern S1 and S2 laboratory spaces, the ZIW creates additional opportunities for companies in biomedicine, life sciences and active substance development.
The visit has shown once more how valuable international exchange is when it comes to transfer structures, innovation spaces and the connection between science and industry.
Many thanks to the delegation from Dnipro and to everyone involved for the open and inspiring exchange at the BMZ. We are delighted if Dortmund's experience as a technology and transfer hub can provide impetus for future cooperation.
